Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's --

[rebecca_in_blue]

Well, Thanksgiving Day had a few bumps this year, but for the most part, it's a holiday I really love. I love that it's a national holiday that ALL Americans can celebrate, not a religious one that excludes non-Christians. (I'm already sick of Christmas!) I thought Thanksgiving was uniquely American for years, but in 2007, when I had to teach my French classes about it, I did some research and discovered that they celebrate it in Canada, too. I love that it's not a gift-giving holiday, so the mass market hasn't been able to commercialize the life out of it, and I don't have to deal with the money and stress of finding the perfect gift. I love that it's a holiday devoted to just being thankful for what you have. I think even the most pessimistic people can find something to be grateful for on Thanksgiving. As for me, last week, my bad-ass Cajun grandma was in the hospital; this week, I'm thankful that Grandma is home again.

Still, I've been so nostalgic for last year, when all Sara and I had to do was walk over to Grandma's house and everyone was there. I visited that house earlier this week, peered in the windows, and almost didn't recognize the place. *sigh*

In other news, Sara has told me that Mom is getting me "Jew stuff" for Hanukkah. (She loves to the spoil the surprise for you. She'd tell me what all my gifts are if I let her.) I'm kinda surprised by this, because Mom, like most people in our family, doesn't know a lot about Judaism. Me: "What kind of Jew stuff is she getting me?" Sara: "Um, I think it's a bunch of yellow stars to sew on all your clothes." Me: "That is not funny!"